A special concrete mix was created that could be produced on site at a purpose-built batch plant at the new Western Sydney Airport.
CPB Contractors selected the use of slipform paving for the Airside Civil and Pavements project for the Australian Federal Government.
Slipform is typically used on roads and bridges and uses a continuously moving mould to shape wet concrete as it is poured. This eliminates the need for expansion joints and creates a seamless surface.
“While steel formwork remains the traditional choice for airport pavements, we identified slipform paving as an opportunity to optimise efficiency and enhance safety for our workforce,” project manager Noel Kollakompil said.
Noel said the concrete mix was specifically engineered for the demands of Sydney’s future airport. Extensive trials were conducted to ensure its durability under heavy aircraft loads and across a range of weather conditions.
The adoption of this slipform methodology and removal of steelwork , according to CPB, yielded several benefits for the project, including enhanced efficiency, reduced material consumption and increased safety measures.
View a 0:27 time-lapse video of the concrete pouring process.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.